Pre-purchase inspection checklist — 2021 Honda Pilot
The 2021 Honda Pilot has moderate owner complaints and a notable number of recalls. Most issues are related to the electrical system, engine, and safety features. Prospective buyers should focus on verifying electrical and safety systems due to multiple recalls affecting these areas.
NHTSA data on file today
The 2021 Honda Pilot has 10 NHTSA recall campaigns and 452 owner complaints on file as of . Recall data is refreshed daily from NHTSA.
NCAP overall rating: 5.0 out of 5 stars, averaged across 2 NHTSA-tested trims.
Recall campaigns on file
- NHTSA #26V365000 Rear Suspension Components May Fail NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #26V332000 Air Bags May Deploy Unintentionally During a Crash NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #24V064000 Air Bag May Deploy Unintentionally During a Crash NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #23V858000 Fuel Pump May Fail NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #23V458000 Loose Fastener on Brake Booster Assembly NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #23V431000 Rearview Image May Not Display/FMVSS 111 NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #23V174000 Side-View Mirrors May Detach/FMVSS 111 NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #20V725000 Tire Carcass May Break Causing Sudden Air Loss NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #20V440000 Delayed or Inoperative Rearview Camera/FMVSS 111 NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #20V439000 Instrument Panel Software Incorrect/FMVSS 101/111 NHTSA notice
Most-cited components in owner complaints
- Electrical System 137 complaints
- Engine 112 complaints
- Forward Collision Avoidance 98 complaints
- Unknown or Other 85 complaints
- Lane Departure 44 complaints
- Air Bags 32 complaints
Of the 452 complaints on file, 14 report a crash and 2 a fire; across all 452 complaints, owners report 10 injuries (owner-reported, not verified by NHTSA).
Known issues to inspect
Software errors in control modules
How to check: Ensure rearview camera and instrument panel work properly.
Fuel pump malfunctions
How to check: Check and inquire about fuel pump recall completion.
Passenger airbag sensor faults
How to check: Verify airbag sensor recall completion and function.
Test-drive walkthrough
- 01
Cold start
What to check: Listen for unusual engine noises or vibrations.
Red flag: Persistent knocking or loud noises.
- 02
First minute idling
What to check: Check instrument panel for warning lights.
Red flag: Safety or engine warnings appear.
- 03
Low-speed turns
What to check: Observe steering responsiveness and noise.
Red flag: Grinding or excessive noise.
- 04
Highway acceleration
What to check: Monitor for smooth acceleration and shifts.
Red flag: Hesitation or rough shifting.
- 05
Braking steadily
What to check: Ensure brakes engage smoothly without noise.
Red flag: Squealing or grinding sounds.
- 06
Park the vehicle
What to check: Inspect all electronic displays and features.
Red flag: Non-functioning or inconsistent electronics.
- 07
In final stop
What to check: Turn steering wheel to full lock positions.
Red flag: Resistance or unusual sounds.
Questions for the seller
Use this exact phrasing.
- Has the fuel pump recall been completed?
- Are there any unresolved electrical issues?
- Have airbag recalls been addressed?
- What regular maintenance has been done?
- Are there any aftermarket modifications?
- Is there a history of accidents or damage?
Documents to request
Don't sign anything until you have these.
- Recall repair records
- Service history records
- Vehicle title
- Accident history report
- Warranty documents
Generated by gpt-4o on from the NHTSA recall campaigns and owner-complaint counts on file for the 2021 Honda Pilot at the time. AI output can be wrong; confirm anything you find with a mechanic.
Next step
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